Does Council even have a say in this? Was the vote purely symbolic? The Westgate owner in Chicago is doing the redevelopment. She has already decided it will be done. The owner has agreed to the building guidelines, whatever they're called, created by the Ford adminstration.
I haven't read the Blade article, but what is this mention of Costco? Has it been officially announced by the Westgate owner that Costco will be the anchor? A few months ago, Costco was one of a few l possible anchors at Westgate.
"I would hate to think that Carty would want to say at the end of his term that he brought Costco in and took claim for the success of a new Westgate."
2009? That won't happen because the Westgate owner has already said construction will begin in 2006. This redevelopment will happen quick, and it will be excellent just like the Wesfield mall expansion. And that's because Toledo government had little if any involvement in the Wesfield project, and they will have little if any involvement with Westgate.
Creating new roads and sidewalks around these businesses is something the City does, and that certainly helps. But get government too involved, and you have the phantom sports arena, which has been a project in the works for more than 12 years.
Since the initial Westgate redevelopment announcement back in August, the Westgate owner has held several public meetings in Toledo. She has been open with her plans and has been willing to listen to the public. I wouldn't listen to anything a local politician is saying about Westgate. Only listen to what the Westgate owner is saying.
This isn't Southwyck where Toledo politicians make up things as they go. The Westgate owner is driving the Westgate redevelopment. And phase one is Westgate proper. After that part is complete, the properties on the other side of Central will be redeveloped as well.
posted by jr at 11:41 A.M. EST on Thu Dec 15, 2005 #
Here is the article here:
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051214/NEWS16/512140492&SearchID=73229544216312
In an nutshell, council had to give their approval so the owners of Westgate could apply for a $750,000 state grant for brownfield development. Basically, tearing down Dillards and that ever-so-pesky asbestos abatement. The city is also paying the Washington Local School District $300,000 in lieu of property taxes. Plus the city is throwing in infrastructure improvements. I agree with allowing private business to take on these tasks. They seem to produce much better results than when left to the local and state governments. My concern with Carty taking credit is that I wouldn't feel it is right for him to claim credit should he want to run again in 4 years.
posted by daddyg at 12:26 P.M. EST on Thu Dec 15, 2005 #
The part I find troubling is where they claim 188 "new" jobs will come from this. Granted Costco (if it ends up being Costco) does pay more than most retail jobs, however does this "new" job numbers reflect the lost jobs that will come from the stores that are at Westgate that close their doors?
posted by psyche777 at 03:40 P.M. EST on Thu Dec 15, 2005 #
I doubt Carty asked for a delay inorder to take CREDIT of bringing Costco in...that was a done deal as -jr- pointed out...between owner of Westgate and Costco...
Possibly the delay is to give time to study the amount of provisions the CITY SHOULD GIVE...and...exactly what they can EXPECT from Costco...
Carty gave Daimler/Chrysler and Toledo the Toledo Jeep North Plant...with the promise of x amount of jobs...well...Daimler did NOT keep x amount of jobs...I am thinking Carty wants to look over all provisions given before actually given???
posted by MARIELORA at 04:37 P.M. EST on Thu Dec 15, 2005 #
Off topic but, Marielora, are you still smoke free?
posted by swantucky at 06:31 P.M. EST on Thu Dec 15, 2005 #
swantucky, yes, smoke-free and l0 lbs.,heavier!!!
Thanks for asking...know of a great diet???
posted by MARIELORA at 06:54 P.M. EST on Thu Dec 15, 2005 #
I lost 30 in three months on the Adkins diet. Its nothing but meat and cheese for 2 weeks to start though. Try to keep active. The holidays is not helping either I'm sure.
I'm proud of you!
posted by swantucky at 08:58 P.M. EST on Thu Dec 15, 2005 #
...and B: Why would Carty be asking for this delay?
Because Carty is an egomaniac? Because he wants the limelight? Because he is a control freak? Because he is a one-man team?
But then, the Toledo voters already knew that and gave him a landslide victory. One only needs to read the letter to the editor in Friday's Blade from a man in Chicago.
...and they say that Chicago elections are a sham!
posted by limedrops911 at 08:33 A.M. EST on Fri Dec 16, 2005 #
swantucky, 30 LBS!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
As far as my weight gain...I am on Inveress Layoff every other week since October!!! I will have to start an exercise regime at home...I am on Inveress Layoff next week too!!!
Love time off work...but, bad timing as far as weight gain and quitting cigarettes...not working putting on some LBS!!!
Thanks for all your support and encouragement...I am PROUD of you...30 LBS. LOSS...CELEBRATE!!! You deserve it!
posted by MARIELORA at 06:07 P.M. EST on Fri Dec 16, 2005 #
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